Job seekers, come to Career…Encore to meet and share the challenges of looking for employment with others. Whether younger or older, unemployed, underemployed, or seeking a career transition, the desire is the same: to find work that is purposeful and, of course, comes with a paycheck! Join us! This month’s theme: “Networking Holiday Style”

Artist in Residence and singer/songwriter Wendell Culbreath (AKA THE Dubber) will be offering guidance, tips and lyric writing techniques in this weekly workshop for those interested in songwriting. Meet local guest musicians monthly. Sign up once, and return weekly for new challenges to help you write your next hit.

In the Handmade Home series, we will be creating small projects to decorate or use in your home. In this iteration, you will have the opportunity to create one garland from several different options including paper bunting, felt garland, and traditional cranberry/popcorn garland.All materials provided.

SCREENDOOR Storytelling hosts monthly live community events to foster connection through the art of sharing stories. Inspired by The Moth’s model, each event has a theme, and a judging panel of peers selects a winner and runner-up for the night. There are only three rules: stories must be true from your life and related to the theme, told without notes, in under 10 minutes. December’s theme is “By the Book”: share your first struggle with IKEA furniture, a beloved book you’re embarrassed of, or an ill-fated attempt at dating by Cosmo’s rules. Connect with us on Facebook at Screendoor Storytelling to sign up for a storytelling spot, or email screendoorcolumbia@gmail.com for more information.

Each year 48 million people get sick from mishandled food, including food prepared and eaten at home. Join this class to learn the basics of food safety, along with a few pro tips to keep your family safe and reduce food waste. The class will focus on the four core steps, safe poultry and produce handling, and using food thermometers. One lucky person will win a food thermometer. For more information email Katherine@Kshavonutrition.com

Make beautiful and festive holiday cards for everyone on your list! If you have a small gift in need of wrapping, bring it along! Event follows Family Storytime and is presented by Cooper's Teen Advisory Board.

No fuss, no muss, no baking required! Make a batch to take home, along with some great time saving recipes. Get tips and examples of dollar store DIY holiday packaging. Leave the stove to the turkeys and enjoy the easier side of holiday treats.

Bring your friends and family to celebrate the holiday season with a fun, festive, and FREE live concert by Palmetto Chamber Orchestra -- local musicians who have come together to share their music-making passion with our community. Enjoy music from classical to jazz, including these timeless gems:Corelli. "Christmas" Concerto GrossoVivaldi. Double Concerto for Violin, Cello and String Orchestra Rosetti. Romance from Clarinet ConcertoLigon. Cascade and moreGuest artists include local talent: Buddy Fiorillo, Violin; Idris Chandler, Cello; Betty Gardiner, Flute; Amy Craighead, Flute; William Campbell, English Horn; Robert Gardiner, Saxophone and his Jazz quartet.

A young orphan child mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag and is transported back to the North Pole to be raised as an elf. Years later, Buddy learns he is not really an elf and goes on a journey to New York to find his true identity. PG, 95 min.

Join Dr. George Geckle for a discussion of literary selections asking the question: Why Utopias are anyways Nowhere.- September 19: The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare; October 17: Shylock Is My Name by Howard Jacobson;November 21: Brave New World by Aldous Huxley; December 19: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret AtwoodPlease contact 929-3469 for more information.

Do you have a specific question about how to use computers or find your way around the Internet? Drop-in to our Computer Basics Learning Lab for personalized assistance. Learn basic computer skills such as using a mouse, saving files to a computer, navigating the Internet, uploading files to a website, setting up an email account and attaching files to email.

Did you know that representatives from Lifeline Wireless, a Federal Lifeline program that provides a FREE cellular phone along with FREE minutes, data, and text messages, are at the Richland Library Main location every Tuesday from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM? They are available to enroll you and answer any questions about the program you may have.About Lifeline's Wireless Plans· No contract· Service is for 12 months and you need to re-qualify once a year· If you qualify, you will receive your cell phone in 5-7 business days.To be eligible for the Lifeline Free Phone Program, you may qualify if your income falls below your state’s residency poverty guidelines OR if you participate in a government assistance program such as:· Medicaid· Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP)· Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)· Supplemental Security Income (SSI)· Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)· Other state or federal assistance programsWant to Apply or Learn More? Apply online (http://www.safelink.com), over the phone (1-800-723-3546), or with a SafeLink representative at the library on Tuesdays! If you plan on applying in person, be sure to bring proof of total household income (for income-based qualification) or a copy of a current document proving that you participate in a government assistance program. Additional questions can be asked by calling the Lifeline Wireless information line at 1-800-723-3546 or by asking a Lifeline representative!

Artist in Residence and singer/songwriter Wendell Culbreath (AKA THE Dubber) will be offering guidance, tips and lyric writing techniques in this weekly workshop for those interested in songwriting. Meet local guest musicians monthly. Sign up once, and return weekly for new challenges to help you write your next hit.